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Cable comes full circle to inspire primary school kids

Laura GrubisaNarrogin Observer

Football legend Barry Cable returned to Narrogin last week to visit students at Narrogin Primary School.

Cable grew up in Narrogin and met his wife Helen in the town before moving to Perth to pursue a football career when he was just 18 years old.

“When I left, it was hard,” he said. “You just weren’t supported like you are today.

“Today, they have pathways and it’s known you can make a career out of footy, but in my day, we didn’t have that.”

He spoke to students at Narrogin Primary about how mistakes helped shaped who they were and gave plenty of football advice to young aspiring players.

“Mistakes are all about learning and getting in front,” he said.

“It’s OK for students to make mistakes because you have to make them to be successful.

“Just remember that you can do it and you have the ability.”

When one student asked what he would be doing if he had not been a professional football player, he replied: “I’d probably be running the best butcher shop in town!” NPS principal David Harrison said Cable was a prime example of the school’s motto — In the Pursuit of Excellence.

“Mr Cable addressed the students and spoke inspirationally about always trying your hardest to achieve your goals,” Mr Harrison said.

“He let the students know the importance of believing in themselves and he advised that while having talent is important, you still have to set goals and work towards them with perseverance.”

Cable visited the school to present one of the original football guernseys that would have been worn during interschool clashes.

In the weeks leading up to his visit, students participated in several activities, which focused on Cable and his achievements.

“Barry Cable’s achievements showed me that if I work hard and prepare for setbacks and obstacles, I can achieve anything,” Year 6 student Tynan Gower said.

The entire student body enjoyed Cable’s visit greatly, and the sports hero said he loved coming back to Narrogin and felt it was great to be able to give back to the community.

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